A hasty Escape... apparently.

Trying not to flinch away, I endured the cold cloth that Gloria was dabbing upon the back of my head, where a sizable lump had formed. "Howard, explain to me again, how this lump had introduced itself, and why I am at home?"

"To put it succinctly Sir," he began, preparing my sleepwear, "you were inadvertently involved in a bit of a tavern brawl. And the lump, as I'm told, was from a Mug."

"Right," I nodded, "and how did I get involved in this brawl? The last thing I remember was speaking with Samuel, and this other couple about... mare's milk or some such?"

Setting my clothes down, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a short Note. After giving it a quick read, he cleared his throat. "According to Samuel, one of the newer immigrants, who has yet to fully adapt to Madsin's Way of Life, felt that their 'Face' or 'Honor' had been slighted, and demanded Satisfaction. And when it was not forthcoming, a fight broke out. And in that right, a Mug flew through the air, and knocked you in the head."

"I see. And what else does your Note say? Anything about Samuel?"

Howard put his note away. "Samuel, after seeing that you'd been knocked senseless, grabbed you and pulled you behind the bar, where the bartender could keep you out of harm's way, before wading into the fray."

"To revel in the ****?" I grunted, with one eyebrow raised in suspicion.

"To end it." Howard answered sharply. "Once he and a few others had cast the aggressors out onto the street, he carried you here upon his shoulders. Bloodied and bruised, he begged our apologies for being a horrible host, given that you were injured upon his invitation." His eyes narrowed at me and his voice turned cold for a moment, before he remembered his station. "We thanked him for his troubles, dressed his wounds, as we are you, gave him a clean Shirt, and called a Carriage to take him home."

I fell silent. A powerful feeling within my gut made my face feel heavy. I shook it at myself, disgusted. An Animal being a better Man than I. "Thank you Howard. I have much to think about now. Gloria, once you are done with that, could you please bring me a Quill and some Paper? I feel that a Letter to Ms. Mevan and Samuel are in order."

That Letter of my own Apology, and uncountable Gratitude is now awaiting for my Seal's Wax to melt. I shall ask Howard to send it, first thing in the Morning.